2006 Opel Astra vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Opel Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Opel Astra would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2006 Opel Astra. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2006 Opel Astra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 504 kg more than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Because 2012 Lotus Elise is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Opel Astra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Opel Astra. (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Opel Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Opel Astra | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Opel | Lotus |
| Model | Astra | Elise |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 44 L |
